Experience South Africa on safari

Safaris in South Africa are amongst the most popular holiday choices for locals and travellers alike, with options to suit all tastes and needs.

Fancy coming face to face with an African lion?

Specialist walking safaris are a great choice for those wanting to absorb the sights, sounds and smells of the bush up close and personal.

While any safari in South Africa will be memorable, if you want to get the real feel of the bushveld, go on foot.

Walking in the bush, accompanied by knowledgeable guides, is about as close to nature as you can get, especially in wildlife areas where most visitors are restricted to exploring from the confines of their vehicles.

There are three basic types of walking safaris: full-blown wilderness trails, which include camping outdoors; portered safaris, with back-up vehicles to carry gear; and base camp safaris, where travellers use a lodge or tent-camp as a base for their daily adventures.

Many reserves and national parks offer a combination to cater to different preferences and budgets.

If your time or energy is limited, you can usually combine a vehicle-based wildlife safari with a guided walk of two to three hours. This combination is popular at many lodges and national parks.

A multiple-day walking trip is best if you have the time. South Africa is incredibly rich in flora and fauna, and the longer you walk, the better your chances of seeing more. A longer safari also has the benefit of night activities.

Some destinations also offer specialist walks, such as birding trails and historical walks, where you can take in a variety of smaller wildlife, explore indigenous trees and plants, or just take in the landscape.

After your holiday, the memory of being able to hear, smell and even taste nature on foot will surface time after time.

There is just something special about walking in the bush. Especially if you come face-to-face with one of the Big Five!